Bradley will be looking to get back to winning ways after going 0-1-1 since his points win over Juan Manuel Marquez in October 2013.

The 31-year-old lost a decision to Manny Pacquiao in their April 2014 rematch, after winning a controversial decision over Pacquiao in June 2012, and then he was held to a draw against Diego Chaves, although most observers believe Bradley deserved the victory.

"Vargas is a good, little fighter," said Bradley. "He's a world champion, and he has to be respected. This is another good fight, another good opponent. I'm always fighting good competition. He's undefeated. I think this is a good test for both of us and a good fight for me against an undefeated fighter."

Vargas, 25, who will move up to 147 to face Bradley, claimed the WBA belt by narrowly outpointing Khabib Allakhverdiev on the Pacquiao-Bradley II undercard, and then successfully defended it twice, outpointing previously unbeaten Anton Novikov in August and former lightweight world champion Antonio DeMarco in November.

"I'm very excited about this fight," said Vargas. "I'm extremely excited to be getting the opportunity to fight a name like Timothy Bradley, a guy who beat Manny Pacquiao. I know it was controversial, but he has a win over him. I'm trying to get closer to fighting the big names. I'm looking forward to fighting at 147. I was successful in past fights at 147."

This bout will likely be for the vacant WBO welterweight title, which Bradley held before losing it to Pacquiao.